Back To School? Why Dillon Mitchell Could LEAVE Celtics to RETURN to College

Back To School? Why Dillon Mitchell Could LEAVE Celtics to RETURN to College

Author: Locked On Podcast Network, John Karalis August 5, 2026 Duration: 35:42
Boston Celtics rookie Dillon Mitchell’s NBA future could change as a surprise NCAA court ruling opens a door for a lucrative fifth year of college eligibility, potentially turning the NBA draft’s second round upside down. Could returning to school for millions in NIL money become a game-changer for prospects and reshape how teams approach the draft? John Karalis of Celtics On SI is joined by Tom Westerholm to break down the unprecedented legal case rocking both the NCAA and the NBA, exploring how Mitchell’s decision could set a precedent for player development and second-round draft value. Insights include the financial gap between NBA two-way deals and college NIL offers, the Celtics’ rights to Mitchell, and why NBA and NCAA collaboration is more crucial than ever. Will NBA teams risk drafting players who may leave for college millions, and how could this shift the league’s future roster planning?

For die-hard Boston Celtics fans, the daily rhythm of the season is punctuated by the need for deep, reliable analysis that cuts through the noise. Locked On Celtics delivers exactly that, serving as an essential audio companion for anyone invested in the team's journey. Hosted by John Karalis of the Boston Sports Journal, this podcast leverages his unique perspective as a former player and his current role as a beat writer who is embedded with the team, attending practices and games to gather context you won't find elsewhere. Each episode breaks down the latest news, from roster moves and injury reports to the strategic nuances of last night's game and what it means for the playoff picture. The discussion goes far beyond the final score, offering insider insights into player development, coaching decisions, and the broader dynamics of the NBA that impact the Celtics' path. Listeners get a front-row seat to informed conversations that feel like a post-game debrief with the most knowledgeable person in the room. This isn't just a recap show; it's a daily briefing designed to give fans a substantive edge in understanding their team. Tune into this podcast for a consistent, expert voice that makes sense of the marathon NBA season, one focused and detailed episode at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Locked On Celtics - Daily Podcast On The Boston Celtics
Podcast Episodes
Mailbag: Jaylen Brown FAREWELL, Celtics DEPTH, A Kyrie Irving RETURN? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:32
Jaylen Brown receives a hero’s farewell from Boston. What will his departure mean for the Celtics’ culture and the city’s future? John Karalis of Celtics On SI breaks down the emotional city event honoring Brown, highlig…
Payton Pritchard EXPECTATIONS: Starter or 6th Man for Boston Celtics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:50
Payton Pritchard's role with the Boston Celtics could redefine the team’s second unit—and the sixth man race in the NBA. Should Pritchard start, or is he the key to unlocking Boston’s bench offense? John Karalis of Celti…
What Should Boston Celtics EXPECT from Paul George? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:46
Boston Celtics fans are asking: Could Paul George be a better fit than Jaylen Brown? As the Celtics gear up for the new NBA season, Paul George—fresh off a strong shooting run with the Philadelphia 76ers—steps into Bosto…